Alfred E. Cox Obituary

Alfred E. CoxJuly 24, 1938 - August 4, 2012Resided in Fayetteville, PA

ObituaryAlfred E. Cox, 74, Fayetteville, PA, passed away at 6:40 p.m., Saturday Aug4, 2012, at Quincy Village.

He had been in failing health for the past six months and seriously ill for three weeks.

He was born on July 24, 1938, in Claiborne County, TN, the son of the late Columbus Alton (Doc) andBeatrice (Bullard) Cox.

He and his wife of 53 years, Doris F. (Stiner) Cox, were married on Dec. 23, 1958, in Knoxville, TN.They moved to the Waynesboro area in 1976 and to Fayetteville in 2003.

After graduation from high school (1956), Al went to Atlanta, GA for further education. He joined theArmy in 1958. After basic training and a tour in Korea, Al received an honorable discharge from theArmy and enlisted in the Air Force. After seven years in the Air Force, Al accepted an appointment as aWarrant Officer in the Army. Al served two tours in Vietnam, 1968-69 and 1970-71, assigned to theGhost Riders 189th Assault Helicopters. His career covered many duty stations, both in the United Statesand foreign countries.

In 1974, he was assigned to the White House Communication Agency as a Presidential CommunicationOfficer. During his tenure at the White House and Camp David, he traveled extensively with PresidentsNixon, Ford and Carter.

Al retired from the Army as a Chief Warrant Officer on December 31, 1978, and entered civil servicewith the Department of Defense, at Fort Ritchie, MD. After 15 years of civil service, Al retired on May 31,1994 with a total of 35 years government service.

His military awards and decorations include the Presidential Service Badge, the Legion of Merit, threeBronze Star Awards, three Army Accommodation Medals, two Air Force Accommodations, plus severalGood Conduct, Defense Service and Campaign Service medals.

His civilian service awards were three Commanders Civilian Service awards, two Meritorious CivilianService awards, and White House Military Office Directors award.

Al was a life member and Past National President of the United States Army Warrant Officers Associationlife member of the 1600 Communications Association, life member of the Disable Veterans Association,life member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, member of the American Legion, life member and PastPresident of the Mont Alto Hunting & Fishing Club, and Eagles Club, Inc.

Al was a member ofthe following organizations: Acacia Lodge No. 586 F& AM, Waynesboro, PA;

Scottish Rite Consistory, Valley of Harrisburg; South Penn Scottish Rite Club; Tall Cedars of Lebanon,Forest No.95, Hagerstown, MD; George Washington Royal Arch Chapter No. 176, Chambersburg, PA;George Washington Council No. 66 Royal and Select Master Masons; Continental Commandery No. 56,Knights Templar, Chambersburg, PA; National Sojourners Inc., Pen Mar Chapter No. 32; Royal Orderof Jesters, Harrisburg Court No. 116; Mt Vernon Chapter No. 398, Order of the Eastern Star; pastpresident of Waynesboro Lions Club, NRA, AARP.

He was a life member and Past Potentate (1999) of Zembo Shrine, Harrisburg, PA. He was a member ofall units and Clubs within Zembo Shrine.

Before his health issues, AI enjoyed golf, hunting & fishing, traveling and watching NASCAR. Heespecially enjoyed grilling steaks for his family.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by two daughters, Melissa Wells and husband Sam, TeresaNeedham and husband Geoff; one son, Douglas and wife Sandi, all of Waynesboro. Three grand children,Benjamin Wells, Amanda Wells and Andrew Krouse, four step-grandchildren, Rhonda Needham, AliciaReedy, Esther Needham and Joe Needham, one great- grandson, Caleb Reddy. He also leaves behind his"buddy", his dog, Annie.

In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his sister, Blanche Cook, all of Knoxville, TN.

A memorial service to celebrate AI's life will be held on Wednesday, August 8, 2012 at 11:00 am atTrinity United Church of Christ, 30 W. North St., Waynesboro, PA., with Pastor Susan D'heedeneofficiating. There will be no public viewing, but the family will receive friends one hour before the service

A Masonic service will be held by Acacia Lodge No. 586 F&M, before the memorial service.

Interment will be at a later date in Arlington National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Shriners Hospital for Children, Zembo Shrine,2801 N. Third Street, Harrisburg, PA. 17110.

Grove-Bowersox Funeral Home, Waynesboro, is handling the arrangements.